9 newly discovered species: Pearl River map turtle

9 newly discovered species

Pearl River map turtle

The discovery of the Pearl River map turtle broke an 18-year stretch during which no new turtles were discovered in the U.S. Prior to this, the last new turtle was found in 1992. This turtle lives in the Pearl River, which defines the border between Louisiana and Mississippi, and was discovered by a team from the U.S. Geological Survey. It ranges in size between 6 and 11 inches and eats clams, fish and insects.